Every
year, more than 500,000 people suffer strokes in the United States.
It is the number 3 cause of death after heart disease and cancer.
The lucky survivors of strokes often face debilitating disabilities.
This is the story of one such survivor.

In
1997, Riley Jackson suffered a series of debilitating strokes. The
third one got him. It left him unconscious, alone on the kitchen floor
of his coffee farm in Costa Rica. Without the use of his body, and
unable to call for help, Riley first comes to terms with the cockroaches
he thinks are going to attack him and slowly comes to terms with what
has happened to his body. With unflinching stupidity and humorous
candor, Riley Jackson carries us with him as he navigates through
the challenges of foreign hospitals, airline travel and bureaucratic
red tape. Armed with an overly optimistic assessment of his chances
for recovery and a quirky sense of humor, Riley emerges to find his
devastating personal tragedy transformed into a spiritual awakening
that completely renews his love of life. Join him in this retelling
of his chaotic journey.

REVIEWS:"Riley's
zest for life is absolutely contagious. This self-proclaimed ‘dirty-old
man' somehow helped me see beyond my own physical limitations and
allowed me to embrace the beauty and joy that greets me each and every
morning. This book is highly recommended for fellow stroke sufferers,
their families, friends, physicians, and therapists." -
Hugo Putts, Costa Rica

"I've
had to put up with this guy for over ten years now. “Action Jackson”
is a slow study. It took us nine years to get his fat bottom out of
his wheelchair and start him walking. As I told his daughter-in-law,
“If we had known he would keep coming back, we would have never taught
him to walk.” Read the book and you will know why." -One
of Riley's physical therapists-(name with held upon request)

"Riley
is irreverent and incorrigible and I am glad I wasn't the nurse taking
care of him for his recovery! However, he also possesses an incredible
curiosity and a respect for the journey that is life. When the rug
was pulled out from under him and he woke up in the hospital, his
first thought was, "I wonder what will happen next?" -Jeanne
DeBaets RN

"I
don't know what goes on over there, but I hope the authorities never
confuse our addresses.” -Dr. Tom (Neighbor)